After extended layoff, Steve Cantwell returns at UFC 120 in London

http://mmajunkie.comAfter an extended layoff from professional competition, UFC light heavyweight Steve Cantwell (7-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) will return to the cage this fall.

A source close to the fighter today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the former WEC champion is expected to make an appearance across the pond at UFC 120.

Although not officially announced by the promotion, UFC 120 is expected to take place Oct. 16 at The O2 in London. The night’s main card airs via same-day delay on Spike TV.

An opponent has not been finalized for the returning fighter.

In May the Nevada State Athletic Commission cleared the 23-year-old fighter after an issue with his medical paperwork prevented him from being licensed to fight. As a result, he was not cleared for a bout with Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 108 and sat on the bench as his management worked to clear the hurdle.

Nick Blomgren, Cantwell’s trainer and manager, told MMAjunkie.com that the fighter resolved the issue when he met with a Nevada medical-advisory board in April and proved that he was OK to compete.

Although speculation ran rampant about the supposed medical issue, Cantwell and the NSAC never publicly confirmed the details.

Cantwell previously was licensed and fought four times in Nevada, which included a victory over Brian Stann in August 2008 that netted him the WEC’s 205-pound title.

When the London fight card rolls around, it will have been 13 months since Cantwell fought. His most recent octagon appearance was thi s past September, when he met Stann a third time and lost a unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 19.

It’s not clear if Cantwell will be part of UFC 120’s preliminary or main card.

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